A Bridge for Renewables

The new, more flexible Alamitos Energy Center will be more efficient and be able to start and stop in a matter of minutes (compared to the nearly 36 hours it takes for the existing generators) — allowing for integration of more renewable energy.

It will also be able to respond quickly to "smooth out" the supply of electricity when renewable facilities like wind and solar aren't operating — providing exactly the kind of clean, local, flexible natural gas electricity state energy officials say is an essential part of California's diverse energy portfolio.

California has been working to implement its ambitious Renewables Portfolio Standards (RPS) program. Under this program, 50% of California's overall energy must come from renewable sources by the year 2030. However, the unpredictability of wind and solar require natural gas and other more reliable sources — including energy storage — to ensure a continuous supply of energy.